Computer and Information Sciences at South Dakota State University

South Dakota State's computer science program launches graduates into solid $73,770 starting salaries—about $12,000 above the national average for this degree and roughly $6,000 ahead of the typical South Dakota program. With just $22,748 in median debt, students face a highly manageable 0.31 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning they could theoretically pay off loans in under four months of gross earnings. While this ranks as the 60th percentile in South Dakota (behind SD School of Mines' $78,000), the program delivers strong value at an open-access institution where nearly all applicants are admitted.

The earnings trajectory looks healthy, climbing 22% to nearly $90,000 by year four. That growth pattern suggests graduates aren't hitting a ceiling early. The relatively low debt load makes this particularly attractive compared to more expensive private options—you're getting strong outcomes without the financial burden that often accompanies computer science degrees at pricier schools.

One important caveat: the sample size here is small (under 30 graduates), so individual outcomes could vary more than these medians suggest. Still, for South Dakota families seeking an affordable path into tech careers, SDSU appears to deliver reasonable results. The combination of accessible admission, modest debt, and above-average starting pay makes this worth serious consideration, especially for students who might struggle to gain admission to more selective programs.